UngeheuerLich
Legend
I also think, rules that often need workarounds to make it work in a given campaign don't help the game at all.While I don't personally care for the "always say yes" style, there's nothing wrong with it. The only thing that bugs me is just be up front about it. Don't say "A DM can always..." because, yep, I know I could. I don't because we have different priorities. As DMs we all make decisions about what works best for us and our group.
I have made use of my background features once in a blue moon. If they had not been there, I don't think we had gotten stuck in the campaign. Often, the sailor would have gotten free passage without that feature anyway. The ranger would find water even without being an outlander.
Actually I see it as feats in 3e or thief skills in older editions. Now things anyone could do are codified for just a few characters. So instead of offering something extra, you take something away frok everyone else...